Creating a Weighted Hoodie

Wowwee my friends just impress me so! I just received an email asking about creating a weighted hoodie and I think it’s a perfect plastic pellet idea! If you want to create your very own just follow my DIY below!

The biggest challenge with creating a weighted hoodie is the fabric itself! Hoodies are

A weighted hoodie is like a hug when you need it!

usually made from a type of fleece, which is usually a challenge for stitching in plastic pellets. That’s why I recommend stitching a reinforcing fabric for the weighted pouches. Not only will this help keep your plastic pellets in place and prevent a saggy front, but it will make stitching a long much, much easier! Select a strong fabric for your front piece such as cotton; your amount will depend on the size you are doing. You’ll want to select both fabric for your pouches and a ready-made zipper-down hoodie that is a comfortable size for your recipient.

To get started, lay your hoodie down flat, facing up. Lay your fabric down on top of it and mark off a section that goes from the top of the pockets to the shoulders, curving in at the seams of the sleeves. Remove the fabric and trim, and then create an identical piece. You’ll then cut these in half, length-wise.

With your fabric cut you’re all set to create the front weighted portion of your hoodie! Take two identical halves and turn them inside out. Start at the wider bottom area and stitch together and then up each side, leaving the top open. Pull right side out and then pour 1/10 of your plastic pellets in the sleeve you created. Remember, you want your weighted item to be only about 10% of the recipient’s body weight. Stitch this section closed and repeat until you’ve created 3 equal pellet pockets; use the ladder stitch to close. Repeat for the second hoodie half.

Next, let’s do a back piece! This will help the recipient feel like they’re getting a nice “hug” from the hoodie, and help reinforce our front pieces. Measure the width of the hoodie shoulders, from sleeve seam to sleeve seam. You’ll want to cut a piece of fabric about 8 to 12 inches by this measurement across. Fold the piece of fabric in half, inside out, and stitch up one end and the long side. You’ll want to split this piece into two sections, filling each with 1/10 the plastic pellets and then stitch, in the same manner as the front.

Now let’s move on to sleeves! Cut two pieces of fabric as wide as the sleeve and then as long as the shoulder to the elbow. Take two pieces and fold inside out, stitch 3 sides shut and then fill with plastic pellets. Use the ladder stitch to close.

You have all your pieces—yippie!!—now let’s stitch them on your hoodie! First, lay your hoodie again flat and place your front pieces on. Next, gently lift up the back and place your back piece behind the collar. You can now pin where the front will meet each back piece. Go ahead and stitch these together. Next, center the tops of your sleeve pieces with the front/back seam in the center of the top, and stitch these on. Each piece will reinforce the other and help keep the hoodie from slouching under the weight.

Lastly, we’ll want to attach these to the hoodie. Simply tilt the pieces to keep the plastic pellets clear of your needle and allow for a ¼ inch seam as you stitch the pieces on to the hoodie. The sleeve pieces can be a bit tricky to use a machine on; I’d recommend just stitching on the top and then hand-stitch a few inches along the bottom and sides to secure.

Once all the pads are in place you’re set! Standard care for weighted items is recommended. If you need to purchase Quality Plastic Pellets for this or any other pellet craft, just click on the link below!

About Paula Pellet

I’m an expert on all things plastic pellets, and I’m here to help you navigate through the sometimes confusing world of plastic pellets and stuffing materials. Whether your question is about our pellet materials or ordering from Quality Plastic Pellets, I’m here to help!